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Intersil Corporation today unveiled the new EL6295C programmable laser driver. This industry breakthrough in programmable architecture is targeted for the emerging dual-writer `super-combo' drives that can Read and/or Write all CD and DVD disc formats. Addressing one of the fastest growing semiconductor markets in the industry, the EL6295C will allow optical storage manufacturers to develop DVD drives that will record 4.7 GB of information (movies, music or data) in just over seven minutes.

"The EL6295C is the third generation of our EL629XC Write strategy programmable laser driver IC's. Improvements include increased performance in both the CD and DVD `X' speed Write performance and the integration of key system-level functions," said Mohan Maheswaran, vice president and general manager of Intersil's Elantec Product Group. "The EL6295C shows our commitment to offering the highest performance products to our customers. The EL629XC architecture lets optical drive OEMs design a single product for all industry CD and DVD formats with a longer lifecycle and a higher value than any current products."

Third Generation Programmable Architecture

The new architecture integrates the standard DVD and CD Write-strategy waveforms into the laser driver, which eliminates the need to drive high-speed timing signals over flex cables from the controller IC to the optical pickup unit (OPU). The Write waveforms are programmable through internal resisters that support all of the DVD and CD formats, media and speeds. Internal command and data registers are programmed through a serial bus interface. This integrated architecture increases the 'X' Write speed performance dramatically compared to current generations of laser diode drivers.

EL6295C Advanced Technical Features

Advanced features of the EL6295C include an integrated two-channel sample-and-hold (S/H) amplifier that is programmable under register control for four separate gains to provide real-time power control of the Read, Erase or Write level. Running optical power control (ROPC) is also expected to reduce the readback error caused by disc dust and fingerprints. The channel clock speed of 210 MHz enables up to an 8X DVD Write and up to 48X CD Write performance. Other features include programmable amplitude and frequency modulation, a low noise read amplifier, a programmable laser slope compensation digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a programmable laser threshold current DAC.

EL6295C Availability and Pricing

The EL6295C is available now in the tiny 38-pin leadless plastic package (LPP). Each IC is priced at $4.00 in 10,000-unit quantities. Contact Stephen P. Sacarisen for more information: (408) 945-1323 Ext. 345.